News: 1st MLG CG promoted to major general

Lieutenant Gen. David H. Berger (left), commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks before promoting Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese (right), commanding general, 1st Marine Logistics Group, to major general aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 19, 2014. Berger said Coglianese’s selection to a two-star general position was a direct reflection of his ability to successfully lead in three particularly difficult billets during his time as a brigadier general.

The promoting officer, Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, said Coglianese’s selection to a two-star general position was a direct reflection of his ability to successfully lead in three particularly difficult billets during his time as a brigadier general.

“He started off in the Joint Staff [at the Pentagon]. The few generals who rotate in that position are watch officers for the whole military,” said Berger. “The things that happen in our world don’t happen during the day. They happen at around two in the morning on the other side of the world, and guys like him had to make decisions. That’s a huge responsibility.”

After spending a little more than a year at the Pentagon, Coglianese received orders to assume command of Marine Corps Installations West in 2011.

“He was then in charge of everything West of the Mississippi,” explained Berger. “He had no background in it, and had never worked on a facility before – and he became in charge of all of it. He was in charge of all of the people, all the budgeting and all the environmental issues.”

Berger said he believes the commandant chose Coglianese to become a major general based of his immense success throughout his career, including his current position as the commanding general of 1st MLG.

“I think the commandant made him a major general because of what he has proven in those three jobs as a brigadier general,” said Berger. “I’m not a manpower guy, but I think today there’s probably around 195,000 Marines in the Corps. About 20,000 of those Marines are officers. Less than 30 of those officers are major generals. The Marine Corps is going to be a lot better off with him as a major general.”

Coglianese attributes his accomplishments throughout his career to his upbringing.

“Growing up, my family taught me the value of hard work,” said Coglianese. “I wouldn’t be standing here as a major general without any of them or any of you here.”